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01. Tokyo, Japan -- Tokyo remains the most expensive location in Asia Pacific and globally for international assignees

02. Oslo, Norway

03. Nagoya, Japan -- Although Japan is the only Asian country surveyed where the actual cost of goods in the ECA basket of goods has fallen, a strong currency and already higher costs for goods mean that cost of living for assignees is significantly more expensive than in other locations in the top ten

04. Stavanger, Norway

05. Yokohama, Japan -- Although Japan is the only Asian country surveyed where the actual cost of goods in the ECA basket of goods has fallen, a strong currency and already higher costs for goods mean that cost of living for assignees is significantly more expensive than in other locations in the top ten

06. Zurich, Switzerland -- Of the European locations surveyed cost of living has increased the most in Swiss locations. In Switzerland, where inflation is low, it is the strong Swiss franc that has contributed to pushing Zurich up to 6th position globally from 10th

07. Luanda, Angola -- Luanda, Angola, ranked 7th globally, is the most expensive location for international assignees in Africa followed by Libreville (Gabon, 19th) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo, 24th)

08. Geneva, Switzerland

09. Kobe, Japan -- Although Japan is the only Asian country surveyed where the actual cost of goods in the ECA basket of goods has fallen, a strong currency and already higher costs for goods mean that cost of living for assignees is significantly more expensive than in other locations in the top ten

10. Bern, Switzerland -- Of the European locations surveyed cost of living has increased the most in Swiss locations

11. Basel, Switzerland -- Of the European locations surveyed cost of living has increased the most in Swiss locations

12. Copenhagen, Denmark -- To help multinational companies calculate assignment salaries, ECA carries out a Cost of Living Survey twice a year comparing a basket of consumer goods and services commonly purchased by assignees in 400 locations worldwide

13. Helsinki, Finland -- Living costs for assignees are affected by inflation, availability of goods and exchange rates, all of which can have a significant impact on assignee remuneration packages

14. Moscow, Russia -- With the weakening of the euro against major currencies between surveys, many eurozone locations have fallen down the ranking significantly

15. Caracas, Venezuela -- Caracas (15th) is the most expensive location in the region for international assignees - a result of rampant inflation

16. Sydney, Australia -- Food price increases of 5.2% in Sydney coupled with the impact of the strong Australian dollar have seen the city shoot up ECA’s ranking looking at cost of living around the world for international assignees

17. Stockholm, Sweden -- Certain living costs such as accommodation, utilities (electricity, gas, water costs), car purchase and school fees are not included in the survey

18. Canberra, Australia -- The data was used by ECA clients to calculate cost of living allowances for employee-assignees around the world. The survey covers: Food: Groceries; dairy produce; meat and fish; fresh fruit and vegetables Basic: Drink and tobacco; miscellaneous goods; services General: Clothing; electrical goods; motoring; meals out

19. Libreville, Gabon -- ECA International’s cost of living indices are calculated based upon surveys carried out annually in March and September using a basket of day-to-day goods and services. The data used refers to year on year movements between ECA March 2011 and 2010 surveys (Image for illustrative purposes only)

20. Paris, France -- The French capital is among the top 20 most expensive cities worldwide according to ECA International